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Bear Activity Prompts Food Restrictions in Mundy Park

by
Rebecca Vaughan |

COQUITLAM, BC, July 11, 2019 – Bears have always been a common presence in Mundy Park, but recent bear activity has prompted the City to prohibit cooking and hot food in the park until further notice, and enforce dilligent garbage cleanup.

Effective immediately, there will be no barbeques, cooking or hot food permitted in the park, and park users are advised to ensure that bags and backpacks containing food are never left unattended. Packaged or cold food is permitted, but must be disposed of in the bear-proof waste bins in the park. Signs advising of the temporary restrictions will be posted.

Current Bear Activity
Currently, a bear sow and cubs have been sighted frequently in Mundy Park and there have been human-bear conflicts when there is food available. The BC Conservation Service has set a humane trap in the park to locate the bears and ensure they have not become habituated to food sources.

Once the bears have been relocated, the food restrictions will be lifted.

Visiting Mundy Park - What to KnowIf you plan to visit Mundy Park, here are some things to remember:

No barbeques, cooking or hot food is permitted until further notice. Packaged or cold foods are ok but must be properly disposed of in bear-proof bins or taken home.

Avoid bringing smelly foods to the park.

Never leave food or garbage unattended, and do not leave bags or backpacks containing food unattended.

Always dispose of garbage in the bear-proof bins throughout the park.

The City of Coquitlam will be notifying park user groups and event organizers of the restrictions, and summer day camps at the park will hold lunch and snack times indoors. The City will also be increasing garbage removal and maintenance, and bylaw officers will be present to enforce the temporary restrictions.

If You See a Bear
Always be Bear Smart. If you see a bear in any of Coquitlam’s neighbourhoods or parks, remember the following tips:

Stop and remain calm. Often the wildlife is just passing through and will simply move on if it finds no food source.

Do not scream or run.

Make yourself look big.

Talk in a low and calm voice while backing away slowly.

Bring pets and children into the house.

When inside, you may use an air horn or loud noise to scare away the animal and let it know it’s not welcome in your yard.

To report wildlife that is aggressive or causing property damage, call the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

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